FARMINGTON — The cause of a fire on Hawthorne Hill Road that destroyed a home last week has been declared undetermined. The fire, which occurred just after 10 p.m. July 8, was investigated by the local fire and police departments as well as the state Fire Marshal's Office.

According to Tom Riley, a fire investigator with the state's Fire Marshal's Office, the damage was so extensive that the cause is indeterminable, though he did confirm that the fire was “accidental in nature.”

Officials from both the police and fire departments also confirmed the fire appeared to be accidental following their investigations.

Police Lt. Jay Drury, said that the cause will remain undetermined, but the investigation tends to lead them to belive the total release foggers or “bug bombs” that were in the home at the time may have been a factor.

“They could very well have been a contributing factor,” said Riley.

“A lot of the propellants in bug bombs are flammable,” said Drury, who explained that when the materials mix with an ignition source, they can act as an accelerant.

According to officials, the foggers that were being used to fumigate the home were used improperly, as the homeowner left appliances like the refrigerator on.

Directions for use on the labels for the devices state: “Turn off ALL ignition sources such as pilot lights (shut off gas valves), other open flames, or running electrical appliances that cycle off and on (i.e., refrigerators, thermostats, etc.). Call your gas utility or management company if you need assistance with your pilot lights.”

The Environmental Protection Agency website states: “Because the aerosol propellants in these foggers typically are flammable, improper use may cause a fire or explosion,” which is also listed on each total release fogger's packaging.

“It was very unfortunate circumstances,” said Riley. He explained that because of the extensive damage, determining the order of events and what initially caused the fire would be unlikely. While acknowledging the bug bombs as an issue, he said, “there's so much damage, we can't rule out an electrical issue.”

Riley and Drury encourage users of these foggers to “follow the manufacturers instructions as listed on the packaging.”

Drury confirmed no charges are expected in relation to the accidental fire.